Petition to Oppose Overdevelopment of Blowhole Point

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has today launched a petition to oppose the overdevelopment of Blowhole Point.

Mr Ward has viewed the Tourism Opportunities document and is deeply concerned that the document does not contain proposals for new “restaurants and shops” as was repeatedly outlined by a Kiama Councillor last week.

“As a Councillor and as a State MP, I have always been opposed to overdevelopment that detracts from the local environment and village character that motivates so many to call our region home,” he said.

“Blowhole Point is an iconic tourist site. Given that the land in question in owned by the people of NSW, as their representative I will not support the overdevelopment of Blowhole Point.

“Because some local representatives appear to be totally out of touch with our community, today I can announce that I am launching a community petition to demonstrate community opposition to this plan.

“The petition can be signed and collected from my office in Kiama or signed on-line through the “Have Your Say” section of my website www.garethwardmp.com.au

“The community has not been consulted about further development of Blowhole Point. The claim that the community supports such plans is simply not true.

“Whilst I support balanced and sensible development, Blowhole Point is a tourist icon and loved by locals. Perhaps Local Government Councillors supportive of overdevelopment could turn their attention to the renovation of existing assets or the beautification of the harbour precinct before letting the developers rush-in without community consultation.

“Our petition will be a good indication of where the community actually stands. As the local MP, I want to give a voice to people on this issue because the land in question is the property of the people of our community and our State.

“There will be no overdevelopment of Blowhole Point whilst ever I am the local MP. If locals want Kiama to turn into Noosa – they’ll have to get themselves an MP that supports this level of development because this isn’t my vision for our community,” Mr Ward concluded.